Systems and methods for monitoring loading of cargo onto a transport vehicle

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods monitor loading of cargo onto a transport vehicle to avoid incorrect cargo loading incidents. A wireless monitoring device positioned near an access port of a cargo hold of the transport vehicle receives a tracking identifier of a wireless tracking tag attached to a logistic container containing the cargo as the logistic container is conveyed into the cargo hold. An alert is generated by the wireless monitoring device when the tracking identifier is not listed in a manifest listing identifiers of wireless tracking tags attached to logistic containers expected to be loaded into the cargo hold. Within the cargo hold, the wireless tracking tags may also exchange their tracking identifiers such that any one of the wireless tracking tags may determine, by counting, when less than a target threshold number of wireless tracking tags are present.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/944,972, filed Sep. 14, 2022, which is divisional of pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/069,651, filed Oct. 13, 2020, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,487,958. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/069,651 claimspriority to US Patent Provisional patent Application Number 62/914,537,filed Oct. 13, 2019. All of the above applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to monitoring loading ofcargo onto a transport vehicle, and more specifically to a method and anapparatus for detecting and avoiding incorrect cargo loading incidents.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present embodiments, a system monitors loading ofassets (e.g., cargo in logistic containers) onto a transport vehicle.Each asset and/or logistic container has a respective wireless trackingtag attached thereto. Each wireless tracking tag has a globally uniquetracking identifier, a battery, a processor, a memory withmachine-readable instructions, and a wireless communications interface.The system further includes a wireless monitoring device affixed to acargo loader (e.g., a stationary portion or non-moving part) and has aglobally unique identifier, a battery, a processor, a memory comprisingmachine-readable instructions, and a wireless communications interface.The cargo loader conveys the assets and/or logistic containers to acargo hold of the transport vehicle. The wireless monitoring deviceincludes a manifest storing expected unique tracking identifiersassigned to cargo scheduled to be conveyed to the cargo hold of thetransport vehicle. As each asset and/or logistic container is loadedinto the cargo hold of the transport vehicle, the wireless monitoringdevice communicates with the attached wireless tracking tags to receiveits unique tracking identifier and then correlates the unique trackingidentifier with the manifest. When the wireless monitoring devicedetects that the unique tracking identifier read from the wirelesstracking tag does not match the manifest, the wireless monitoring devicegenerates an alert identifying the discrepancy.

In another aspect of the present embodiments, a system monitors loadingof cargo onto a transport vehicle includes a wireless monitoring devicedeployed with a cargo hold of a transport vehicle. The wirelessmonitoring device has a globally unique identifier, a battery, aprocessor, a memory comprising machine-readable instructions, and awireless communications interface. The monitoring system furtherincludes wireless tracking tags attached to respective assets and/orlogistic containers containing assets, wherein each wireless trackingtag comprises a globally unique tracking identifier, a battery, aprocessor, a memory comprising machine-readable instructions, and awireless communications interface. The wireless monitoring device isoperative to communicate with each of the wireless tracking tags andcomprises a manifest storing a listing of cargo scheduled to be conveyedto the cargo hold of the transport vehicle correlated with the one ormore globally unique tracking identifiers of the wireless tracking tags,wherein the wireless monitoring device is operative to identifydiscrepancies between the cargo listed in the manifest and thecorrelated globally unique tracking identifiers of the wireless trackingtags on the assets and/or logistic containers being conveyed to thecargo hold of the transport vehicle.

In another aspect of the present embodiments, a method of monitoringloading of assets (e.g., cargo) onto a transport vehicle includesattaching wireless tracking tags to respective assets and/or logisticcontainers containing the assets, wherein each wireless tracking tagcomprises a globally unique identifier, a battery, a processor, a memorycomprising machine-readable instructions, and a wireless communicationsinterface. A wireless monitoring device is affixed to a stationarylocation (e.g., a non-moving portion) of a cargo loader that isoperative to convey the assets and/or logistic containers to a cargohold of a transport vehicle, wherein the wireless monitoring devicecomprising a globally unique identifier, a battery, a processor, amemory comprising machine-readable instructions, and a wirelesscommunications interface. The wireless monitoring device communicateswith each of the wireless tracking tags and comprising a manifeststoring a listing of cargo scheduled to be conveyed to the cargo hold ofthe transport vehicle correlated with the one or more globally uniquetracking identifiers of the wireless tracking tags. The wirelessmonitoring device is operative to identify discrepancies between thecargo listed in the manifest and the correlated globally unique trackingidentifiers of the wireless tracking tags on the assets and/or logisticcontainers being conveyed to the cargo hold of the transport vehicle.

In another aspect, a method of monitoring loading of cargo onto atransport vehicle includes affixing a wireless monitoring device to astationary location of a cargo hold of a transport vehicle, the wirelessmonitoring device comprising a globally unique identifier, a battery, aprocessor, a memory comprising machine-readable instructions, and awireless communications interface. Wireless tracking tags are attachedto respective assets and/or logistic containers containing the assets,wherein each wireless tracking tag comprises a globally unique trackingidentifier, a battery, a processor, a memory comprising machine-readableinstructions, and a wireless communications interface. The wirelessmonitoring device communicates with each of the wireless tracking tagsand includes a manifest storing a listing of cargo scheduled to beconveyed to the cargo hold of the transport vehicle correlated with theone or more globally unique tracking identifiers of the wirelesstracking tags. The wireless monitoring device is operative to identifydiscrepancies between the cargo listed in the manifest and thecorrelated globally unique tracking identifiers of the wireless trackingtags on the assets and/or logistic containers being conveyed to thecargo hold of the transport vehicle.

A system comprises a unitary wireless device, comprising a battery, aprocessor, a memory comprising machine-readable instructions, anAutomatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver configuredto wirelessly link to sources of ADS-B out signals in accordance with afirst wireless communications protocol. When executed by the processor,the machine-readable instructions cause the processor to performoperations comprising linking to at least three sources of ADS-B outsignals comprising respective estimated locations of the at least threesignal sources and determining an estimated position of the wirelessdevice based on the estimated locations of the at least three signalsources.

Certain embodiments herein also feature an apparatus operable toimplement the method described above and computer-readable media storingcomputer-readable instructions causing a computer to implement themethod described above.

In one embodiment, a system monitors loading of cargo onto a transportvehicle. A wireless tracking tag, attached to an asset and/or a logisticcontainer containing the assets (e.g., cargo), includes: a firstbattery; a first wireless communications interface; a first processor;and a first memory communicatively coupled with the first processor andstoring: a tracking identifier that uniquely identifies the wirelesstracking tag; and first firmware having machine-readable instructionsthat are executable by the first processor. A wireless monitoringdevice, located near a cargo hold of the transport vehicle, includes: asecond battery; a second wireless communications interface; a secondprocessor; a second memory communicatively coupled with the secondprocessor and storing: a device identifier that uniquely identifies thewireless monitoring device; a manifest including tracking identifierscorresponding to wireless tracking tags attached to assets and/orlogistic containers expected to be loaded onto the transport vehicle;and second firmware having machine-readable instructions that, whenexecuted by the second processor, cause the second processor to: receivethe tracking identifier from the wireless tracking tag as the assetand/or the logistic container is conveyed to the cargo hold; andidentify a discrepancy when the tracking identifier is not listed in themanifest.

In another embodiment, a method monitors loading of cargo onto atransport vehicle. The method includes: receiving, by a wirelessmonitoring device positioned near an access port of a cargo hold of thetransport vehicle, a tracking identifier of a wireless tracking tagattached to an asset and/or a logistic container containing the asset(e.g., cargo) as the asset and/or the logistic container is conveyedinto the cargo hold; and generating an alert, by the wireless monitoringdevice, when the tracking identifier is not listed in a manifest listingidentifiers of wireless tracking tags attached to assets and/or logisticcontainers expected to be loaded into the cargo hold.

In another embodiment, a wireless tracking tag includes: a battery; anAutomatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) out receiverimplementing a first wireless communication protocol; a processor; andmemory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to: control the ADS-B out receiver to (a)receive a first ADS-B out signal transmitted by a first transportvehicle, (b) receive a second ADS-B out signal transmitted by a secondtransport vehicle, different from the first transport vehicle, and (c)receive a third ADS-B out signal transmitted by a third transportvehicle, different from both the first transport vehicle and the secondtransport vehicle; and estimate a current location of the wirelesstracking tag based on locations defined in at least one of the firstADS-B out signal, the second ADS-B out signal, and the third ADS-B outsignal.

In another embodiment, a wireless monitoring device includes: a battery;an RF transceiver implementing a first wireless communication protocol;a processor; and memory storing machine-readable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a wirelesssignal containing a tracking identifier from a wireless tracking tagattached to and asset and/or a logistic container containing the assetsbeing conveyed into a cargo hold of a transport vehicle; determine asignal strength of the wireless signal; and transmit an alert to anetwork service when the signal strength indicates that the wirelesstracking tag was not loaded into the cargo hold of the transportvehicle.

In another embodiment, a system monitors loading of cargo onto atransport vehicle. The system includes a wireless tracking tag attachedto a logistic container containing the cargo, the wireless tracking tagassociated with a tracking identifier that uniquely identifies thewireless tracking tag. The system also includes a wireless monitoringdevice positioned to monitor a cargo hold of the transport vehicle. Thewireless monitoring device has a wireless communications interface, aprocessor, and a memory communicatively coupled with the processor andstoring: a device identifier that uniquely identifies the wirelessmonitoring device; a manifest including tracking identifierscorresponding to wireless tracking tags attached to logistic containersexpected to be loaded onto the transport vehicle; and firmware. Thefirmware has machine-readable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to: receive, using the wirelesscommunication interface, the tracking identifier from the wirelesstracking tag; and identify a discrepancy when the tracking identifier isnot listed in the manifest.

In another embodiment, a wireless tracking tag includes: a battery; anAutomatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) out receiverimplementing a first wireless communication protocol; a processor; andmemory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to: control the ADS-B out receiver to (a)receive a first ADS-B out signal transmitted by a first transportvehicle, (b) receive a second ADS-B out signal transmitted by a secondtransport vehicle, different from the first transport vehicle, and (c)receive a third ADS-B out signal transmitted by a third transportvehicle, different from both the first transport vehicle and the secondtransport vehicle. The machine-readable instructions, when executed bythe processor, also cause the processor to: estimate a current locationof the wireless tracking tag based on locations defined in at least oneof the first ADS-B out signal, the second ADS-B out signal, and thethird ADS-B out signal.

In another embodiment, a monitoring device includes an RF transceiverimplementing a first wireless communication protocol; a processor; andmemory storing machine-readable instructions. The machine-readableinstructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:receive a wireless signal containing a tracking identifier from awireless tracking tag attached to a logistic container being conveyedinto a cargo hold of a transport vehicle; determine a signal strength ofthe wireless signal; and transmit an alert to a network service when thesignal strength indicates that the wireless tracking tag was not loadedinto the cargo hold of the transport vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D show diagrammatic cross-sectional side views of portions ofdifferent respective autonomous agent tape platforms.

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic view of a transport vehicle being loaded withcargo, in embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic view of a conveyor system loading assetsand/or logistic containers into a cargo hold, in embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one example method of loadingassets/cargo onto a transport vehicle, in embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one example method of loading cargoonto a transport vehicle, in embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one example method of confirming thata set of assets and/or logistic containers containing the assets areloaded on the correct transport vehicle.

FIG. 6 is diagrammatic view illustrating use of one or more ADS-Bsignals to determine a current position of an asset and/or logisticcontainer containing the asset.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one example method of determiningGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates of an asset and/ora logistic container containing the asset.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one example method of selecting theGNSS coordinates of an asset and/or a logistics container containing theasset based on signal strength values received from different aircraft.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example computer apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference numbers are used toidentify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended toillustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammaticmanner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actualembodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and arenot drawn to scale.

The present invention is not limited in any way to the illustratedembodiments. Instead, the illustrated embodiments described below aremerely examples of the invention. Therefore, the structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitingthe claims. The disclosure merely provides bases for the claims andrepresentative examples that enable one skilled in the art to make anduse the claimed inventions. Furthermore, the terms and phrases usedherein are intended to provide a comprehensible description of theinvention without being limiting.

As used herein, the term “or” refers an inclusive “or” rather than anexclusive “or.” In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thespecification and claims mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from the context to refer the singular form.

The terms “module,” “manager,” and “unit” refer to hardware, software,or firmware, or a combination thereof.

Exemplary Tape Agents

The instant specification describes an example system of tape agentplatforms (also referred to herein as “tape agents”) that can be used toimplement a low-cost wireless network infrastructure for performingmonitoring, tracking, and other logistic functions relating to, forexample, parcels, persons, tools, equipment and other physical assetsand objects. The tape nodes discussed herein include the featuresdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,455,634, titled “Fabricating MultifunctionAdhesive Product for Ubiquitous Realtime Tracking”, and U.S. patentApplication Publication Number 2019/0272458, titled “WirelessCommunications and Transducer Based Event Detection Platform”; each ofthe aforementioned patent and patent application publication areincorporated by reference in their entireties as if fully set forthherein. The example system includes a set of four different types oftape nodes that have different respective functionalities and differentrespective cover markings that visually distinguish the different tapeagent types from one another. Other systems may include fewer than threeor more than three different types of tape nodes. In one non-limitingexample, the covers of the different tape agent types are marked withdifferent colors (e.g., white, green, and black). In the illustratedexamples, the different tape agent types also are distinguishable fromone another by their respective wireless communications capabilities andtheir respective sensing capabilities. The colors discussed above areexamples only, any different color, or any combination of colors may beused, for any different categories of tape nodes.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional side view of one example first type (e.g.,white) of tape node 40 formed as a segment of a flexible adhesive tapeproduct. The first type of tape node 40 includes an adhesive layer 42,an optional flexible substrate 44 (e.g., a polymer layer), and anoptional adhesive layer 46 on the bottom surface of the flexiblesubstrate 44. If the bottom adhesive layer 46 is present, a releaseliner (not shown) may be (removably) adhered to the bottom surface ofthe adhesive layer 46. In some examples, the adhesive layer 46 includesan adhesive (e.g., an acrylic foam adhesive) that has a high bondstrength that is sufficient to prevent removal of the first type of tapenode 40 from a surface on which the adhesive layer 46 is adhered withoutdestroying the physical or mechanical integrity of the first type oftape node 40 and/or one or more of its constituent components. In someexamples, the optional flexible substrate 44 is implemented as aprefabricated adhesive tape that includes the adhesive layers 42, 46 andthe optional release liner. In other examples, the adhesive layers 42,46 are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate44 during the fabrication of the adhesive tape platform. The adhesivelayer 42 bonds the flexible substrate 44 to a bottom surface of aflexible circuit 48, that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown)that connect the processor 50, a low power wireless communicationinterface 52 (e.g., a Zigbee, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) interface, orother low power communication interface), a clock and/or a timer circuit54, transducing and/or energy harvesting component(s) 56 (if present),the memory 58, and other components in a device layer 60 to each otherand to the energy storage device 62 and, thereby, enable thetransducing, tracking and other functionalities of the first type oftape node 40. The memory 58 may store a device identifier (ID) 64 thatuniquely identifies the tape node 40, and software 59 that includesmachine-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 50 tocause the processor to implement functionality described herein. The lowpower wireless communication interface 52 typically includes an antennaand a wireless circuit.

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an examplesecond type (e.g., green) of tape node 70 formed as a segment of aflexible adhesive tape product. The second type of tape node 70 issimilar to the first type of tape node shown in FIG. 1A, but differs bythe inclusion of a medium power communication interface 72′ (e.g., aLoRa interface) in addition to the low power communications interface52′ that is present in the first type of tape node 40. The medium powercommunication interface 72′ has longer communication range than the lowpower communication interface 52′. In some examples, one or more othercomponents of the second type of tape node 70 differ from components ofthe first type of tape node 40 in functionality or capacity (e.g.,larger power source).

FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an examplethird type (e.g., black) of tape node 80 formed as a segment of aflexible adhesive tape product. The third type of tape node 80 issimilar to the second type of tape node 70 of FIG. 1B, but differs byfurther including a high-power communications interface 82″ (e.g., acellular interface; e.g., GSM/GPRS). The high-power communication rangeof the high-power communications interface 82″ provides global coverageto available infrastructure (e.g. the cellular network). In certainembodiments, one or more other components of the third type of tape node80 differ from those of the second type of tape node 70 in functionalityor capacity (e.g., larger energy source).

FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an examplefourth type (e.g., black) of tape node 81 formed as a segment of aflexible adhesive tape product. The fourth type of tape node 81 issimilar to the third type of tape node 80 but differs by furtherincluding an Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) outreceiver 83′″ for receiving ADS-B out signals from aircraft, othervehicles, items, and objects. For example, each ADS-B out signal definesa current location (e.g., based on GNSS determined coordinates) of anidentified transport vehicle (e.g., an aircraft).

FIGS. 1A-1D show examples in which the cover 90, 90′, 90″, 90′″ (e.g., aflexible layer) of the flexible adhesive tape platform includes one ormore interfacial regions 92, 92′, 92″, 92′″ positioned over one or moreof the transducers 56, 56′, 56″, 56′″. In examples, one or more of theinterfacial regions 92, 92′, 92″, 92′″ have features, properties,compositions, dimensions, and/or characteristics that are designed toimprove the operating performance of the platform for specificapplications. In some examples, the flexible adhesive tape platformincludes multiple interfacial regions 92, 92′, 92″, 92′″ over respectivetransducers 56, 56′, 56″, 56′″, which may be the same or differentdepending on the target applications. Example interfacial regionsinclude an opening, an optically transparent window, and/or a membranelocated in the interfacial regions 92, 92′, 92″, 92′″ of the cover 90,90′, 90″, 90′″ that is positioned over the one or more transducersand/or energy harvesting components 56. Additional details regarding thestructure and operation of example interfacial regions 92, 92′, 92″,92′″ are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/430,929, filedJun. 4, 2019, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/409,589, filed May10, 2019, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties as if fully set forth.

In some examples, a flexible polymer layer 94, 94′, 94″, 94′″encapsulates the device layer 60 and thereby reduces the risk of damagethat may result from the intrusion of contaminants and/or liquids (e.g.,water) into the device layer 60′, 60″, 60′″. The flexible polymer layer94, 94′, 94″, 94′″ also planarizes the device layer 60. This facilitatesoptional stacking of additional layers on the device layer 60′, 60″,60′″ and also distributes forces generated in, on, or across the tapenodes 70, 80 so as to reduce potentially damaging asymmetric stressesthat might be caused by the application of bending, torqueing, pressing,or other forces that may be applied to the tape nodes 40, 70, 80 duringuse. In the illustrated example, a cover 90, 90″, 90′″ is bonded to theplanarizing flexible polymer layer 94, 94′, 94″, 94′″ by an adhesivelayer (not shown).

The cover 90, 90′, 90′, 90″″ and the flexible substrate 110 may have thesame or different compositions depending on the intended application. Insome examples, one or both of the cover 90, 90′, 90″, 90′″ and theflexible substrate 44, 44′, 44″, 44′″ include flexible film layersand/or paper substrates, where the film layers may have reflectivesurfaces or reflective surface coatings. Example compositions for theflexible film layers include polymer films, such as polyester,polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other plastics. Theoptional adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the cover 90, 90′, 90″,90′″ and the adhesive layers 42, 42′, 42″, 46, 46′, 46″, 46′″ on the topand bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate 44, 44′, 44″ typicallyinclude a pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., a silicon-based adhesive).In some examples, the adhesive layers are applied to the cover 90 andthe flexible substrate 44, 44′, 44″, 44′″ during manufacture of theadhesive tape platform (e.g., during a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheetfabrication process). In other examples, the cover 90, 90′, 90″ may beimplemented by a prefabricated single-sided pressure-sensitive adhesivetape and the flexible substrate 44 may be implemented by a prefabricateddouble-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; both kinds of tape may bereadily incorporated into a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabricationprocess. In some examples, the flexible substrate 44, 44′, 44″, 44′″ iscomposed of a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone).

In some examples, the energy storage device 62, 62′, 62′, 62″″ is aflexible battery that includes a printed electrochemical cell, whichincludes a planar arrangement of an anode and a cathode and batterycontact pads. In some examples, the flexible battery may includelithium-ion cells or nickel-cadmium electro-chemical cells. The flexiblebattery typically is formed by a process that includes printing orlaminating the electro-chemical cells on a flexible substrate (e.g., apolymer film layer). In some examples, other components may beintegrated on the same substrate as the flexible battery. For example,the low power wireless communication interface 52, 52′, 52″, 52′″ and/orthe processor(s) 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ may be integrated on the flexiblebattery substrate. In some examples, one or more of such components also(e.g., the flexible antennas and the flexible interconnect circuits) maybe printed on the flexible battery substrate.

Tape nodes 40, 70, 80, and 81 may establish communication with the sametype of tape node, and with other types of tape node. For example, afirst tape node may broadcast advertisement packets in accordance with aparticular wireless communication protocol such that they may bereceived by other tape nodes. When a second tape node receives one ofthe advertisement packets, the second tape node may transmit a scan linkrequest. In response to the scan link request, the first tape node mayestablish a communication link with the second tape node (e.g., byallocating a data channel).

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating one example system 8 formonitoring loading of assets in logistic containers 14 (e.g., cargo)onto a transport vehicle 10. In the example of FIG. 2A, the transportvehicle 10 is an aircraft; however, transport vehicle 10 may representother types of transportation including ground vehicles, trucks, trains,water vehicles, ships, air vehicles, and any other vehicle used totransport freight or cargo. The logistic container 14 may represent anytype of asset (e.g., object(s), item(s), cargo, etc.), or containerthereof, being transported. For example, logistic container 14 mayrepresent one or more of a package, a parcel, a box, and a unit loaddevice.

The transport vehicle 10 includes a cargo hold 12 into which thelogistic containers 14 are loaded by a cargo loader 16, such as aconveyer device for example, through an access port (e.g., a door orhatch). Each logistic container 14 has at least one wireless trackingtag 18, which may be implemented as one of the first, second, third andfourth types of tape node 40, 70, 80, and 81 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and1D, respectively, and may take the form of a tag, tape, and/or label.For purpose of illustration, wireless tracking tag 18 is assumed torepresent tape node 40 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of thecargo hold 12, the cargo loader 16, the logistic containers 14, thewireless tracking tags 18, and the wireless monitoring device 20. FIGS.2A and 2B are best viewed together with the following description.

The wireless tracking tag 18 is a digital computing device that includesenergy storage 62 (e.g., a battery), processor 50, memory 58 thatincludes software 59 (e.g., machine-readable instructions) and atracking identifier 64 that uniquely identifies the wireless trackingtag 18, and a wireless communications interface 52.

The system 8 also includes a server 22, such as a cloud based computerserver that is remote from the wireless monitoring device 20, thatcommunicates with the wireless monitoring device 20 over a wirelessnetwork 26 (e.g., a local WAN, the Internet, etc.). Server 22 mayrepresent the example computer apparatus 420 shown in FIG. 9 . Theserver 22 may include a manifest 24 that may be represented as a table(e.g., stored as data 446 of memory 424) or a list that defines, foreach logistic contains scheduled to be conveyed to the cargo hold 12 ofthe transport vehicle 10 and fitted with at least one wireless trackingtag 18, the corresponding tracking identifier of the at least onewireless tracking tag 18.

The wireless monitoring device 20 is a digital computing device. Incertain embodiments, wireless monitoring device 20 may be implemented asone of the first, second, third and fourth types of tape node 40, 70,80, and 81 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, respectively, and may take theform of a tag, tape, and/or label. However, wireless monitoring device20 may take other forms and be based on other similar devices withoutdeparting from the scope hereof. For purpose of illustration, wirelessmonitoring device 20 is assumed to represent the third type of tape node80 of FIG. 1C and includes energy storage 62″ (e.g., a battery),processor 50″, memory 58″ that includes software 59″ (e.g.,machine-readable instructions) and monitoring device identifier 64″ thatuniquely identifies the wireless monitoring device 20, and one or morewireless communications interfaces 52″, 72″, and 82″.

In one example of operation, the wireless monitoring device 20 maydetermine its current location and send it to the server 22. Inresponse, the server 22 may determine a closest transport vehicle 10 tothe wireless monitoring device 20, and then send one or both of a uniqueuniversal identifier (UUID) of the transport vehicle 10 (e.g., a uniqueinternational Civil Aviation Organization address that uniquelyidentifies the aircraft), and the manifest 24. The wireless monitoringdevice 20 may receive, via the network 26, the UUID and/or the manifest24 from the server 22 and store the UUID and/or the manifest 24 in itsmemory, such that the wireless monitoring device 20 is configured withthe manifest 24 prior to loading of the logistic containers 14 into thecargo hold 12.

In certain embodiments, where the wireless monitoring device 20 ispositioned within a cargo hold 12 of the transport vehicle 10, thewireless monitoring device 20 may broadcast a beacon signal, atintervals, that includes the UUID of the transport vehicle, such thatany wireless tracking tags 18 within the cargo hold 12 may determinewhether they are on the correct transport vehicle. For example, at leastone wireless tracking tag 18 may be preconfigured with the UUID of thetransport vehicle that it is intended to travel on, and may therebydetermine whether it is on the correct transport vehicle by comparingthe UUID received in the beacon signal to the UUID stored in its memory,generating an alert when the UUIDs do not match.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 200 for installingand operating at least part of the system 8 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. Block206 and 208 of method 200 are implemented within the wireless monitoringdevice 20, for example. Wireless tracking tags 18 are attached torespective ones of logistic containers 14 intended for transport by thetransport vehicle (FIG. 3 , block 202). In one example of block 202, onewireless tracking tag 18 is attached to each logistic container 14 priorto loading the logistic containers 14 into the cargo hold 12. In anotherexample of block 202, one wireless tracking tag 18 is attached to onelogistic container 14 of a group of logistic containers (e.g., not alllogistic containers ha a wireless tracking tag) prior to loading thelogistic containers 14 into the cargo hold 12. In another example ofblock 202, the wireless tracking tags 18 are distributed randomly amongthe logistic containers 14 prior to loading the logistic containers 14into the cargo hold 12.

The wireless monitoring device 20 is affixed to a structural, non-movingportion, of the cargo loader 16 (FIG. 3 , block 204). In one example ofblock 204, the wireless monitoring device 20 is attached to a non-movingportion of the cargo loader 16 that is proximate the path of thelogistic containers 14 as they are being loaded into the cargo hold 12.

In one example of operation, the wireless monitoring device 20communicates with each of the wireless tracking tags 18 as it is loadedinto the cargo hold 12 and receives the corresponding trackingidentifier 64 of the wireless tracking tag 18 (FIG. 3 , block 206). Thewireless monitoring device 20 identifies discrepancies between thetracking identifiers received from the wireless tracking tags 18attached to the logistic containers 14 being conveyed to the cargo hold12 of the transport vehicle and the tracking identifiers listed in themanifest 24 to determine discrepancies between the cargo expected to beloaded and the cargo actually loaded (FIG. 3 , block 208). In oneexample, where the manifest 24 lists tracking identifier “T24” asexpected to be loaded into cargo hold 12, and, when loading is complete,the tracking identifier “T24” was not received by the wirelessmonitoring device 20, the wireless monitoring device 20 determines thatthe logistic container 14 corresponding to the wireless tracking tag 18with the tracking identifier “T24” was not loaded and is therefore adiscrepancy. In another example, where the manifest 24 does not listtracking identifier “T87” as expected to be loaded into cargo hold 12,and, when the wireless monitoring device 20 receives the trackingidentifier “T87” from one wireless tracking tag 18 as it is conveyedinto the cargo hold 12, the wireless monitoring device 20 determinesthat the logistic container 14 corresponding to the wireless trackingtag 18 with the tracking identifier “T87” was loaded in error and istherefore a discrepancy.

In some embodiments, a distance of a wireless tracking tag 18 relativeto the wireless monitoring device 20 is estimated based on a signalstrength of a communication link (e.g., a Bluetooth communicationconnection) between the wireless monitoring device 20 and the wirelesstracking tag 18. In the example of FIG. 2A, as the asset 14 with thewireless tracking tag 18 is conveyed into the cargo hold 12, the signalstrength of wireless signals received via the communication link betweenthe wireless tracking tag 18 and the wireless monitoring device 20reduces. Accordingly, the system 8 (e.g., the wireless monitoring device20) determines that the asset 14 with the attached wireless tracking tag18 is being conveyed to the cargo hold 12 based on the known location ofthe wireless monitoring device 20 and the trend of the signal strengthover time. In another example, the system 8 (e.g., one of the wirelessmonitoring device 20 and the wireless tracking tag 18 attached to theasset 14) may determine that an error or deviation in the loading of theasset 14 with the attached wireless tracking tag 18 has occurred whenthe signal strength abruptly decreases or abruptly increases. An abruptincrease or decrease may be different based on the given application,but those of skill in the art understand that “abrupt” is defined by achange over a predefined threshold that is representative of the asset14 not being conveyed into the cargo hold. The system 8 (e.g., one ofthe wireless monitoring device the wireless tracking tag 18, anothertape node forming the system 8, or some combination thereof) mayinitiate an alert when the error or deviation is detected. For example,the wireless monitoring device 20 may detect an abrupt increase in thesignal strength indicative of the asset 14 falling off the cargo loader16 and landing in a location closer to the wireless monitoring device 20than its previous position on the cargo loader 16. The wirelessmonitoring device 20 may broadcast an alert to other nodes forming thesystem 8 (e.g., another wireless tracking tag 18, another wirelessmonitoring device 20, a client device, a smartphone or device of a humanoperator, and/or the server 22). In some embodiments, the wirelessmonitoring device 20 broadcasts an audio alert to notify any nearbyhuman operators.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 230 installing andoperating at least part of the system 8 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. Blocks 236and 238 of method 230 are implemented in wireless monitoring device 20,for example. A wireless monitoring device is affixed to a structuralportion (e.g., a stationary portion, non-moving portion, such as theceiling, wall, door frame, etc.) of a cargo hold of a transport vehicle(FIG. 4 , block 232). In one example of block 232, wireless monitoringdevice 20 is attached to an internal ceiling of the cargo hold 12. Inanother example of block 232, wireless monitoring device 20 is attachedto a door post of the cargo hold 12. The wireless monitoring device 20may be an embodiment of a tape node, for example, one of tape nodes 40,70, 80, 81 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, according to some embodiments.

Wireless tracking tags 18 are attached to respective logistic containers14 intended for transport by a transport vehicle 10 (FIG. 4 , block234). In one example of block 234, one wireless tracking tag 18 isattached to each logistic container 14 prior to loading the logisticcontainers 14 into the cargo hold 12. In another example of block 234,one wireless tracking tag 18 is attached to one logistic container 14 ofa group of logistic containers (e.g., not all logistic containers ha awireless tracking tag) prior to loading the logistic containers 14 intothe cargo hold 12. In another example of block 234, the wirelesstracking tags 18 are distributed randomly among the logistic containers14 prior to loading the logistic containers 14 into the cargo hold 12.

In operation, the wireless monitoring device 20 communicates with eachof the wireless tracking tags 18 as it is loaded into the cargo hold 12and received the corresponding tracking identifier of the wirelesstracking tag 18 (FIG. 4 , block 236). The wireless monitoring device 20identifies discrepancies between the tracking identifiers received fromthe wireless tracking tags 18 attached to the logistic containers 14being conveyed to the cargo hold 12 of the transport vehicle 10 and thetracking identifiers listed in the manifest 24 to determinediscrepancies between the cargo expected to be loaded and the cargoactually loaded (FIG. 4 , block 238). In one example, where the manifest24 lists tracking identifier “T24” as expected to be loaded into cargohold 12, and, when loading is complete, the tracking identifier “T24”was not received by the wireless monitoring device 20, the wirelessmonitoring device 20 determines that the logistic container 14corresponding to the wireless tracking tag 18 with the trackingidentifier “T24” was not loaded and is therefore a discrepancy. Inanother example, where the manifest 24 does not list tracking identifier“T87” as expected to be loaded into cargo hold 12, and, when thewireless monitoring device 20 receives the tracking identifier “T87”from one wireless tracking tag 18 as it is conveyed into the cargo hold12, the wireless monitoring device 20 determines that the logisticcontainer 14 corresponding to the wireless tracking tag 18 with thetracking identifier “T87” was loaded in error and is therefore adiscrepancy.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 240 for monitoringa shipment that uses a plurality of logistic containers 14 that arebeing transported in a cargo hold 12 of a transport vehicle 10. Method240 is implemented in at least one wireless tracking tag 18, forexample. Method 240 may also be implemented by more than one wirelesstracking tag, using distributed processing, for example. Method 240 mayalso be implemented by the wireless monitoring device 20, such as whenthe wireless monitoring device 20 is within the cargo hold 12.

In one example scenario, wireless tracking tags 18 are used by thetransportation company to track logistic containers 14. In anotherexample scenario, wireless tracking tags 18 are used by the companymaking a shipment and may be attached to each package in the company'sshipment. For each scenario, operation of the wireless tracking tags 18is similar, and is described below in detail. In this example, thewireless tracking tag 18 performing method 240 is referred to as thefirst wireless tracking tag 18 to distinguish it from other wirelesstracking tags for clarity of description; however, any of the wirelesstracking tags 18 conveyed into the cargo hold 12 may perform the method240, and thus the method 240 may be performed by multiple wirelesstracking tags 18, at different times and/or concurrently. Each wirelesstracking tag 18 attached to logistic containers 14 being shippedtogether, or attached to packages being shipped together, may beconfigured with a threshold number that defines the total number ofwireless tracking tags 18 used for that collective shipment, and mayalso be configured with a date and time that defines a scheduled eventof interest, such as a time related to the departure of the transportvehicle 10 (e.g., 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time).Advantageously, each wireless tracking tag 18 may perform method 240 todetermine when to trigger an alarm. In certain embodiments, eachwireless tracking tag 18 attached to assets of a collective shipment maybe configured with a group manifest that identifies each of the wirelesstracking tags in the collective shipment. Particularly, one or more ofthe wireless tracking tags 18 may then determine when any one, or more,of the wireless tracking tags 18 in the group manifest cannot becontacted, indicating that the corresponding asset may be missing.

The first wireless tracking tag 18 may identify a logistic containerload event by determining that it has been loaded into the cargo hold 12of the transport vehicle 10. For example, based upon interrogation bywireless monitoring device 20, the first wireless tracking tag 18 maydetermine that is has been conveyed into the cargo hold 12. In responseto the logistic container load event, the first wireless tracking tag 18may indicate its presence by transmitting, at intervals, a wirelesssignal (e.g., a broadcast advertisement packet) that includesauthentication data (FIG. 5 , block 242). In certain embodiments, thewireless tracking tag 18 may use a different wireless protocol (e.g., ashort-range protocol, such as Bluetooth). Other wireless tracking tags18 (or the wireless monitoring device 20) that are within wirelesscommunication range of the first wireless tracking tag 18 may respond toreceiving the wireless signal, when the authentication data isvalidated, by transmitting a scan link request to establishcommunication with the first wireless tracking tag 18, over a datachannel for example. The authentication data may be determined as validonly when it matches authentication data preloaded into the otherwireless tracking tag. When the wireless tracking tag 18 receiving thewireless signal cannot validate the authentication data, the wirelesstracking tag 18 does not respond to the wireless signal. Advantageously,the authentication data may be selected to group the wireless trackingtags 18 according to the cargo being shipped, where the sameauthentication data is used by wireless tracking tags 18 of the sameshipment. The first wireless tracking tag 18 may receive the trackingidentifier of the other wireless tracking tag 18. (FIG. 5 , block 244).

The first wireless tracking tag 18 repeats the transmission, atintervals, of the wireless signal with authentication data, to establishcommunications connections with other wireless tracking tags 18 that arewithin wireless range, and to receive their corresponding trackingidentifiers (FIG. 5 , block 246).

In certain embodiments, each of the wireless tracking tags 18 transmits,at intervals, a wireless signal including its unique identifier and theauthentication data. The first wireless tracking tag 18 tracks thedifferent unique identifiers received in these wireless signals withvalidated authentication data to determine ones of the wireless signalsthat correspond to the same collective shipment. Over time, the firstwireless tracking tag 18 learns the unique identifiers of the otherwireless tracking tags 18 in proximity and may thereby determine, basedon the group manifest, whether any assets of the collective shipment aremissing.

When the first wireless tracking tag 18 determines that fewer than thethreshold number of different wireless tracking tags have responded tothe wireless signal at the scheduled event, the first wireless trackingtag 18 triggers an alarm (FIG. 5 , block 248). In certain embodiments,the first wireless tracking tag 18 may detect when a particular one ofthe wireless tracking tags identified in the group manifest has notresponded. In some embodiments, the wireless tracking tag 18 storesprogram instructions to trigger an alarm if the total number of otherwires tags that accept the authentication credentials is less than thethreshold number before the scheduled event occurs.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the use of one or more ADS-Bout signals 602 to determine a current position of a logistic container650. In this embodiment, a wireless tracking tag 618 is attached to thelogistic container 650 and represents the fourth type of tape node 81 ofFIG. 1D. In this example, the logistic container 650 is being loadedinto a cargo hold 612 of an aircraft 654. Three ADS-B out signals602(1)-(3) are transmitted by three different aircraft 652, 654, 656,respectively, each of which may be on the ground or in the air. Each ofthe ADS-B out signals 602(1)-(3) includes a current Global NavigationSatellite System (GNSS) determined location (e.g., geographiccoordinates, height, etc.) and a unique identifier (e.g., a uniqueinternational Civil Aviation Organization address that uniquelyidentifies the aircraft), thereby defining a location of, andidentifying, each of the corresponding aircraft 652, 654, 656. In theexample of FIG. 6 , the wireless tracking tag 618 receives threedifferent ADS-B out signals 602(1)-(3) determining a current position(location) of the logistic container 650.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 260 fordetermining the current position of the logistic container 650 of FIG. 6by triangulating the received ADS-B out signals 602 and selecting one ofthe ADS-B out signals 602 that corresponds to the aircraft carrying thelogistic container 650. Method 260 is implemented by the wirelesstracking tag 618 affixed to the logistic container 650 for example. Thewireless tracking tag 618 receives ADS-B out signals 602 transmitted bydifferent aircraft, each signal defining a respective location andunique identifier (FIG. 7 , block 262). In one example of block 262, thewireless tracking tag 618 receives ADS-B out signal 602(1) transmittedby aircraft 652, receives ADS-B out signal 602(2) transmitted byaircraft 654, and receives ADS-B out signal 602(3) transmitted byaircraft 654. A respective signal strength value is determined by thewireless tracking tag 618 for each of the ADS-B out signals 602 received(FIG. 7 , block 264). In one example of block 264, ADS-B out receiver83′″ of the wireless tracking tag 618 determines a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) of the ADS-B out signal 602 as the signal isreceived. In other embodiments, the signal strength value for the ADS-Bout signal 602 is determined by other components of the wirelesstracking tag 618.

The wireless tracking tag 618 triangulates its current location based onboth the corresponding signal strength values of each received ADS-B outsignal 602 and the corresponding location included in the ADS-B outsignal (FIG. 7 , block 266). In one example of block 266, the wirelesstracking tag 618 determines its current locations by triangulation usingthe signal strength values and locations of each aircraft 652, 654, and656 determined from ADS-B out signals 602(1)-(3), respectively. Thewireless tracking tag 618 selects the ADS-B out signal 602 containingthe location that is nearest to the determined location of the wirelesstracking tag 618 (FIG. 7 , block 268). In one example of block 268, thewireless tracking tag 618 determines that the ADS-B out signal 602(2)includes the location that is nearest to the triangulated currentlocation of the wireless tracking tag 618. Associate the location of thelogistic container 650 with the location included in the selected ADS-Bout signal (FIG. 7 , block 269). In one example of block 269, thewireless tracking tag 618 uses the location received in ADS-B out signal602(2) as the location of the logistic container 650.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 270 fordetermining the current position of the logistic container 650 of FIG. 6by selecting a one of the ADS-B out signals 602 that corresponds to theaircraft carrying the logistic container 650. Method 270 is implementedby the wireless tracking tag 618 affixed to the logistic container 650for example. The wireless tracking tag 618 receives ADS-B out signals602 transmitted by different aircraft, each signal defining a respectivelocation and unique identifier (FIG. 8 , block 272). In one example ofblock 272, the wireless tracking tag 618 receives ADS-B out signal602(1) transmitted by aircraft 652, receives ADS-B out signal 602(2)transmitted by aircraft 654, and receives ADS-B out signal 602(3)transmitted by aircraft 654. A respective signal strength value isdetermined by the wireless tracking tag 618 for each of the ADS-B outsignals 602 received (FIG. 8 , block 274). The ADS-B out signal with thehighest signal strength value is selected (FIG. 8 , block 276). In oneexample of block 276, the wireless tracking tag 618 selects the ADS-Bout signal 602(2) as having the strongest RSSI value, as compared toRSSI values for ADS-B out signals 602(1) and 602(3). Associate thelocation of the logistic container 650 with the location included in theselected ADS-B out signal (FIG. 8 , block 278). In one example of block278, the wireless tracking tag 618 determines that the logisticcontainer 650 (and thus the wireless tracking tag 618) is beingtransported by the aircraft 654 and uses the location received in ADS-Bout signal 602(2) as the location of the logistic container 650.

As described above, the wireless tracking tag 18 may triangulate itslocation from three different ADS-B out signals. The determines locationthereby defines the location of the asset to which the wireless trackingtag 18 is attached. Prior to loading of the asset onto an aircraft, thedetermined location of the wireless tracking tag 18 may indicate whenthe asset is not near the aircraft designated for transporting theasset. For example, where the assets is designated for transport bytransport vehicle 654 (FIG. 6 ), which is currently being loaded, andthe determined location of the corresponding wireless tracking tag 18indicates that the assets is no near to the aircraft, the system 8 maygenerate an alert. Advantageously, the use of triangulation may locatethe asset (wireless tracking tag 18) prior to loading onto the aircraftwhich may identify incorrect loading before it occurs. In anotherexample, the use of triangulation may define a location of the assetwithin the aircraft after loading. For example, the triangulatedlocation may indicate which part of the plane, relative to the cockpit(or some other central location), the asset is in. In another example,the triangulated location may indicate that the asset is outside of thetransportation vehicle 654, which is about to depart, the wirelesstracking tag 18 may cause system 8 to generate an alert indicating thatthe asset has not been loaded as expected. Further, if the location ofthe asset is determined (by the wireless tracking tag 18) to be at theairport still, but the location of the transport vehicle expected tocarry the asset has left the airport, system 8 may determine that theasset missed its flight.

Advantageously, the use of triangulation with the ADS-B out signalsprovides an additional metric to use of ADS-B out signal tracking ofaircraft for improved tracking of assets and for identifyingtransportation anomalies.

EXAMPLE COMPUTER APPARATUS

FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus that may beused to implement one or more of the computing systems (e.g., server 22of FIG. 2A) described in this specification. The computer apparatus 420includes a processing unit 422, a system memory 424, and a system bus426 that couples the processing unit 422 to the various components ofthe computer apparatus 420. The processing unit 422 may include one ormore data processors, each of which may be in the form of any one ofvarious commercially available computer processors. The system memory424 includes one or more computer-readable media that typically areassociated with a software application addressing space that defines theaddresses that are available to software applications. The system memory424 may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a basicinput/output system (BIOS) that contains start-up routines for thecomputer apparatus 420, and a random-access memory (RAM). The system bus426 may be a memory bus, a peripheral bus or a local bus, and may becompatible with any of a variety of bus protocols, including PCI, VESA,Microchannel, ISA, and EISA. The computer apparatus 420 also includes apersistent storage memory 428 (e.g., a hard drive, a floppy drive, a CDROM drive, magnetic tape drives, flash memory devices, and digital videodisks) that is connected to the system bus 426 and contains one or morecomputer-readable media disks that provide non-volatile or persistentstorage for data, data structures and computer-executable instructions.

A user may interact (e.g., input commands or data) with the computerapparatus 420 using one or more input devices 430 (e.g. one or morekeyboards, computer mice, microphones, cameras, joysticks, physicalmotion sensors, and touch pads). Information may be presented through agraphical user interface (GUI) that is presented to the user on adisplay monitor 432, which is controlled by a display controller 434.The computer apparatus 420 also may include other input/output hardware(e.g., peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer). Thecomputer apparatus 420 connects to other network nodes through a networkadapter 436 (also referred to as a “network interface card” or NIC).

A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory 424,including application programming interfaces 448 (APIs), an operatingsystem (OS) 440 (e.g., the Windows® operating system available fromMicrosoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington U.S.A.), softwareapplications 441 including one or more software applications programmingthe computer apparatus 420 to perform one or more of the steps, tasks,operations, or processes of the hierarchical classification systemsdescribed herein, drivers 442 (e.g., a GUI driver), network transportprotocols 444, and data 446 (e.g., input data, output data, programdata, a registry, and configuration settings).

Examples of the subject matter described herein, including the disclosedsystems, methods, processes, functional operations, and logic flows, canbe implemented in data processing apparatus (e.g., computer hardware anddigital electronic circuitry) operable to perform functions by operatingon input and generating output. Examples of the subject matter describedherein also can be tangibly embodied in software or firmware, as one ormore sets of computer instructions encoded on one or more tangiblenon-transitory carrier media (e.g., a machine-readable storage device,substrate, or sequential access memory device) for execution by dataprocessing apparatus.

The details of specific implementations described herein may be specificto particular embodiments of particular inventions and should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of any claimed invention. Forexample, features that are described in connection with separateembodiments may also be incorporated into a single embodiment, andfeatures that are described in connection with a single embodiment mayalso be implemented in multiple separate embodiments. In addition, thedisclosure of steps, tasks, operations, or processes being performed ina particular order does not necessarily require that those steps, tasks,operations, or processes be performed in the particular order; instead,in some cases, one or more of the disclosed steps, tasks, operations,and processes may be performed in a different order or in accordancewith a multi-tasking schedule or in parallel.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless tracking tag, comprising: a battery;an Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) out receiverimplementing a first wireless communication protocol; a processor; andmemory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to: control the ADS-B out receiver to (a)receive a first ADS-B out signal transmitted by a first transportvehicle, (b) receive a second ADS-B out signal transmitted by a secondtransport vehicle, different from the first transport vehicle, and (c)receive a third ADS-B out signal transmitted by a third transportvehicle, different from both the first transport vehicle and the secondtransport.